Elder junior QB Peyton Ramsey added 15 pounds to his frame from a year ago and continues to improve this preseason as one of the area's top players to watch in 2016 class.

Ramsey is one of five juniors that started full-time as sophomores last season. His arm strength has improved and so has his understanding of the overall game, according to Elder coach Doug Ramsey, who is Peyton's father.

Peyton, who is 6 feet 2 1/2 and 190 pounds, took a lot of hits in the pockets last season so adding the 15 pounds should really help.

Peyton has an offer from Illinois and received interest from schools that included Northwestern, West Virginia and Michigan State.

Mark Porter, director of ScoutingOhio.com, said Peyton's size and effort in the weight room has paid dividends.

"(He) excels at dissecting defenses, reading coverages and exploiting matchups," Porter said. "(He) knows where to go with the ball and cycles through progressions quickly."

Porter said Peyton's smooth delivery makes him very accurate and college ready before he graduates. He is expected to be one of the state's top QBs in the 2016 class.

Peyton, 16, told The Enquirer Monday he has taken a greater leadership role and understands what to do to help this teammates as they prepare for the season opener Aug. 29 at Oak Hills (7:30 p.m.) in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.

A second-team All-GCL South selection last season, he threw for 1,957 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 552 yards and four touchdowns for the Panthers (9-3 in 2013).